A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

You folks remember my history with "the stories". If not, be reminded by clicking on this entry: HAL IS GONE (AND SO IS LIFE AS WE ONCE KNEW)

Now, Darlene Conley, known as the  feisty fashion mogul Sally Spectra on "The Bold and the Beautiful," has died of stomach cancer. She was 72. Starting out as a villain December 1988 and nemesis to the Forrester Creations which her company Spectra Fashions could always be counted on to 'knock off' - giving 'the look for less' (and more profits for her). Over the years, however, she segued in and out of protaganism to be a damsel, a sexpot, a comedienne, a matriarch to a whole clan set apart from the Forresters. And eventually, those segments came to be intertwined. 

My memory of Darlene Conley (that stems from my childhood memories of my mother sharing her jones for the CBS Soaps with my siblings and me) comes from another CBS Soap: "The Young & The Restless". In the late '70s, she played Rose DeVille, the leader of a prostitution ring from which the young character Nikki Reed was her most profitable call girl (now billionaire wife of Victor Newman, Nikki Newman). But there was also a young call girl named Nina, who would go on to marry Jill's late son Phillip (who we are now hearing may not be her son after all, but that's another "story" for another day). I didn't get exactly what the business was and how it all went down, given I was not even ten years old. But Darlene's portrayal of Rose scared me. But somehow, watching it with my mom made it okay and made that one less nightmare for me to have (as there were a slew of other things I was watching without parental guidance that kept me awake at night).

REST IN PEACE, SALLY!

REST IN PEACE, DARLENE!

REST IN PEACE, MOM!

I've been on the road since January 3rd. Chicago was my headquarters, but I did get dispatched to Los Angeles and Miami for a few days amidst these frozen, Windy City windows. As I today have landed back in Jersey, after being away for more than three weeks, I'm more fondly reflective of a chunk of time I expected to be unhappy (being away from home). Instead, as I referenced in my previous entry, Chicago was a blast. And amidst it all, I met some great new folks and got energetically reacquainted with some old friends. I'm remembering when my Alicia, Carla, and I enjoyed Spanish tappas as - at the top of my lungs - I entertained the whole restaurant with musical highlights from "Dreamgirls" and the best of '80s r&b. Then, there was the Decero Taqueria (www.decerotaqueria.com) where Alicia and I (pictured below) caught up racily over tacos and enchilladas before joining Chicago's "talented tenth" at the Sheraton for "Takeover Thursdays". There, I ran into my 'listening experience' buddy Nyasha and met a research scientist and a history professor who teaches 'slavery in Latin America'. I too ran into a couple of Morehouse brothers. And it was a nice night that reminded me that if I had to move to Chicago (God forbid), I would be socially fulfilled (enough) as networking and fellowship goes.

 In long order, my Chicago Carl and my new "amazing grace" Itika kept  me entertained. We were out so much that I couldn't even attempt to chronicle it all. One Friday, he, Itika, and I joined Itika's friend Tiffany and Loucian who is a personal fitness trainer for many of my Chicago friends (www.myspace.com/section9fitness) and one of Dwele's biggest fans. I had met him before, but we all bonded on this evening to the sounds of Dwele at a VIBE/Miller Beer event. Again, Chicago's finest were out. And I must have been considered one of them because - in the words of "Mahogany": "... the men love me. The women love me...". Not sure what it was. On this night, I was beginning to feel not-my-cutest as I was growing weary of the pieces I'd packed. Though they were sufficient for the near-month I was on the road, I did have to reinvent and repeat a few things and though I like having that option, it's not as cute when the selects are limited. Moreover, I wouldn't get my hair "poonie"-fied (my new Chicago barber) until the next day. Regardless, there was something in my swagger that read like a magnet. Good thing I've got someone as I might have gotten trouble on that night. It made for lots of laughter amongst my crew, further energizing us into after-set after after-set after after-set. My Morehouse brother Eddie even joined us later on this night and at 5:30 am, Carl was dropping Eddie and me off (after we all had an early-morning breakfast), so he could go straight to his job at Jesse Dean. It was quite a marathon. I too had the chance to meet Carl's brother Andre, who made our day "... easy like Sunday morning". Actually, it was a Sunday when he, Carl, Carl's "Amazing Grace" Bionce, and I met at "The Breakfast Club" for brunch (after they went to church). (www.chicagobreakfastclub.com) Not sure what to expect of Carl's brother and wondering if he was going to shift our energy into a more conservative, less colorful tone, I have to say it was the opposite. Andre showed up loving, open, and just straight up cool and fun. And our day would continue into the night. Carl wanted me to try a black-owned restaurant he loves "Blu 47" (www.blu47restaurant.com). Itika joined us too. Then, we met up with Miss Jesse and Arlene (also from Jesse Dean) for some comedy at "Jokes and Notes" (www.chicago.citysearch.com). There, we got our own live-and-in-living-color brand of BET's COMIC VIEW over cocktails. So uplifted, we decided to continue the night with a classic-Chicago-lounge locale "The Dating Game", where I had the DJ play Diana Ross' "The Boss", so the girls and I could dance the night away under the disco ball. Oh, to dance under the sparkling lights of the disco ball. Nothing like it!!! On and on, I could go with highlights from my time in Chicago - like the other VIBE event we attended with performances from Common, Amel Larrieux, and Doug E. Fresh to one of our post-set munchy meals at Harold's Fried Chicken, a Chicago staple (but next time I will make sure my BBQ sauce is on the side. They smother it all over that fried chicken, which I prefer dry).  Chicago really was a total blast. Last night, we had our "see-you-later" extravaganza at which I got to meet one of Carl's best friends Vince. He was way cool and fun. At the top of our lungs, Carl, Jakki (my Ki-Ki), Loucian, Bionce, and I walked the streets of Chicago (to and fro our meal at Hackney's (www.hackneys.net)) - most of us singing Jennifer Holliday's greatest hits. Starting with "Dreamgirls" and segueing through her modest, but celebrated, catalogue. Her debut tune "I Am Love" got most of our attention and focus as we thawed the freezing temps to liquid, exclaiming lyrically that "You walked inside the wind pushing me to bend, teaching me to live today. Oh! All of my dreams have just come true. Say that you are here to stay!!! I am LOVE!!!!". Well, I am not in Chicago to stay, but I do spend lots of time there which promises more great moments with these great people who ensured that my time away from home and my man didn't get lost in the sad and lonelys. Loucian said it best as we all hugged goodbye. "I'll just say see you later because I know you'll be back soon. And in the meantime, we'll  be texting and I'll be reading your blog.". See? I am LOVE! And so are each and everyone of my Chicago friends. THANKS GUYS AND GALS! See 'ya later...

Against the backdrop of Roman ruins, who can forget when a 1975 Diana, portraying Chicago-native "Mahogany" in the so-named movie, tells Billy Dee Williams' Brian "I'm Winner, baby!!!!!"???? Well, more than 30 years later (with rights to that declaration many times over), a 62-year-old (knockin' on 63) Miss Ross can proclaim that mantra ONE MORE TIME. Her new Manhattan/EMI album, "I LOVE YOU" debuts on Billboard's Top 200 at #32, making it the highest debut of the week and her highest chart debut in the SoundScan era. No doubt, the product speaks for itself. But since Ross came out to play on "Good Morning America", "Regis and Kelly", and "Late Night with David Letterman", she improved her chances to be bought and recognized as a contender. No doubt, her appearance this week on "Martha Stewart" and upcoming appearances on "Inside the Actor's Studio" and "American Idol" will keep "I LOVE YOU" on our tongues for months to come.  CONGRATS D!!!!!

Diana too referenced last week that she was honored to have - in some way - inspired "DREAMGIRLS", though she admitted not to have seen it and that - when she would see it - perhaps she would take her lawyer. I hear - since those comments on GMA and Letterman - she has seen it and is generally pleased (though concerned that people will walk away thinking that is the real story - play-by-play, which for those of us in the know, we know is not the case). Still, as Miss Ross seems to also be benefitting from the buzz and hype around "DREAMGIRLS" (and rightfully so as the whole operation's muse), Jennifer Hudson is showing up a WINNER as she joins her fellow Chicagoan  Bears (who - with their black coach Lovie Smith in tow - make history as he and competing Indianapolis Colts coach/friend Tony Dungy - also black - make their way to the 41st NFL Superbowl, a first time that one & two blacks have headed up their teams at the main event of football). I ironically was in Chicago amidst all of this midwest pop and circumstance. Hudson's touchdown comes from her Golden Globe win for Supporting Actress in a Musical or Comedy. In her speech, she dedicates her prize to Original Supreme Florence Ballard, whose the loose archetype of Effie White. But I'm not sure that was necessary. If the film is - in fact - loosely-based (and much creative license has been taken around beefing up the real story), perhaps the shout out should have gone to Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role of Effie on Broadway and is responsible for "breathing" life into the character (and having her trajectory in the fictional piece arc towards a successful comeback). In original readings and writings of "DREAMGIRLS", the character Effie was to serve the same fate as Florence Ballard, who - at 32 - died of cardiac arrest on welfare. A week after the Golden Globe honor, Hudson was nominated for the top prize, Oscar, as Best Supporting Actress. And last night, she also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress.  I had the chance to see her - face-to-face - recently as we reflected on our time together back in August 2006 when I told her "Your performance has Oscar written all over it!!!!". Surely, many said that to her, but as I interviewed her in front of an audience of 500 or more journalists for a preview screening of "Dreamgirls" and a post-screening chat with Hudson, I have 'proof'! SMILE! Additionally, "DREAMGIRLS" is nominated for seven other nods - including three of the original songs that were written for the film, including "I Love You (I Do)", written for Hudson's Effie; "Listen", written for Beyonce's Deena; and "Patience" as sung by Keith Robinson (C.C.), Eddie Murphy (James Thunder Early); and Anika Noni Rose (Lorell). SHOUT OUT to Henry Krieger, composer of all "DREAMGIRLS" music, though he had collaborators - like Siedah Garrett (on "I Love You (I Do)" and Beyonce (on "Listen"), though the Academy is only acknowledging the primary three writers on that record which Beyonce apparently was not (Surely, Matthew Knowles is not happy about that). [You'll recall, I had the chance to omeet Henry Krieger in mid-December as my boo Anthony came into town to interview him... and I got to tag along!]. Murphy too gets his nod for supporting actor against an impressive handful, including Djimon Honsou (for "Blood Diamond"). And the heir apparent to the throne of the Best Actor Oscar is Golden Globe winner Forest Whitaker (for "Last King of Scotland") - something I predicted some months ago here in "A Day in the Life of Riley". Also, Will Smith gets a second time up to bat for Best Actor for his dramatic turn in "Pursuit of Happyness". Like ROSS - Academy nominee for "Lady Sings The Blues" (and Golden Globe winner for same) on whose shoulders all of these actors stand, they are ALL WINNERS!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Click this link to watch Ms. Ross' January 16 interviews and performances on "Good Morning America," "Live With Regis & Kelly," and "The Late Show With David Letterman":

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/emicat/diana_ross/dianaross_appearances_001_300.wvx

Click this link to watch release week TV coverage from "Inside Edition," "Extra," BET's "Black Carpet," "Inside Edition Weekend," and WFAA's "Metro" (Dallas, TX): http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/emicat/diana_ross/dianaross_appearances_002_300.wvx

I have been in Chicago since January 3rd and since I was scheduled to be here until the end of the month, I came into the Windy City committed to 'CALL JOY FORTH' as much as possible. Being away from home (NYC/NJ) and my boo (in Denver), I could feel the blues coming on. This time, however, I didn't give them the chance to settle in with the ABUNDANCE of LOVE and HOSPITALITY that has always been available to me, but in my quick trips here, I've not always taken the time to benefit from them. This time, I was clear that I needed a little help from my friends... to get through. Kinda' like the lyric in Effie's breakthrough song from "Dreamgirls" "I AM CHANGING": "... I'm trying to find a way to understand. But I need you. I need you. I need a hand...; I need a friend to help me start all over again...". And my cup continues to runneth over on this trip - starting and continuing with my good friend Carl (not to be confused with my 'platonic boo' from New York City Carl Nelson). This Carl, who I call "My Chicago Carl" manages the Jessi Dean hair boutique in Chicago. He and the owner/stylist extraordinaire Jessi have become good friends since we all hung out at GLAMOURAMA last Fall 2006 when Beyonce performed and presented her latest "House of Dereon" gear. Since that time, we all - a time or two - have hung out and enjoyed each other's company. On this leg, Carl has been nothing short of a MIRACLE - picking me up to take me to great dinners at places like "Bella", a Gold Coast lounge and restaurant that boasts sophisticated atmposphere with upscale comfort food like crab cakes and luxe burgers that you can wash down with unique martini concoctions. www.bellalounge.com/ Carl and my other dear friend, Itika ("Ti-Ti"),  who too has shown up as one of my main Chicago connections, took me here and we had a really good time that set the tone for my time here. We shared vulnerably about the loves in our lives and who we were going to choose to be to keep our respective loves alive. And with cocktails and good food, there's nothing better than great conversation.

In addition to dining out a lot, Carl also took me to 'da club', my first time venturing out to see how the 'kids' in Chicago party. We went to "The Generator" on one night and danced to the best that r&b & pop have had to offer in the last twenty years. It was chockful of sexy gay men and a few gay women and a sprinkling of others. "Don't ask... and I won't tell!". SMILE! Prior to this evening, Carl and I had spent a long day of errands. He took me to the Westside of Chicago ("Half Time" Barber) to get my haircut by his friend Joseph. That - for the record - was the best haircut I've ever had. "Pooney" - Joseph's nickname - was so thorough and attentive to my bald cut. It would seem simple enough to the naked eye, but my hair grows in many directions and tress-by-tress, he made sure that I was clean --- hair and face. It took so many years off of me, the young Korean lady who later that day would do my mani-and-pedi wondered if I was a model. Then, she asked if I was in fashion as my style was so unique. Then, CLUTCH THE PEARLS, she asked my age. Before I could answer, she guessed "26? 27...?". I thought how sweet as my hair and face were - because of my 'cut from the hood' - smooth as a 'baby's bum'. But I had to surprise her with the news that I am 36. She could not believe it. Of course, I was on top of the world after that exchange (given I was recently NOT carded for a cocktail while my friend Ern, who is older than me, as was my boyfriend Anthony, who legitimately is in his '20s). Now, suddenly, with the right amount of zen and Pooney's touch, all was right with the world again and my "black" was no longer "whack" and refusing to "crack". On this night, I was considering seeing "DREAMGIRLS" with Carl, his mom, and his aunt... but the show I could do with them was sold out. Instead, they went to a later show and I had dinner plans elsewhere (Maggione). Afterwards, however, Carl came to pick me up to go to "The Generator". Carl was so great as I was tired by the time 'club time' came, but he agreed to come and get me before I got too tired. As soon as I got in his car, he told me he had something to lift my energy. He pushed the play button on his  vehicle's CD to reveal the sound of my favorite Diana tune "The Boss". Of course, I was immediately lifted up and taken higher. It - and other Ross tunes from the greatest hits package he was playing - carried me to the North side of town on Lake Shore Drive where he lives. When we went into his place so he could quickly shower and change for our night out, he generously opened a bottle of Moet (Nectar Imperial) for me to hydrate on. 3/4 of the bottle and 30 minutes later, Carl was transformed and ready for our night at 'da club'. During this window of time, he had Miss Janet Jackson's "20 Y.O." ("So Excited" and "With U") piping through the elegant space with beautiful art and a gorgeous, cylindrical staircase that leads up to the bedroom. 

Then, on the following night, Carl and I went to see a 'drag show' at a spot on the ---- watch your back ---- South side. The spot: "TASTE". The drink of the night (since Kir Royale's were not in stock): White Zinfandel. The highlight: The three drag queens who performed Beyonce's "Listen" from "DREAMGIRLS" after I wondered act after act how much more of the bump-and-grind ilk of tune we were going to have to listen to before someone payed homage to what I consider the hottest ticket and soundtrack in town,  "DREAMGIRLS". I could have used some variety from that score, but received with open arms (and a few of my own high-pitched yelps) the redundant playback of the character Deena's breakthrough song. On this night, Carl took me to a wonderful hot dog stand where I got the 'pork chop' sandwich of life. It was just what the doctor ordered.

One night, I gave Carl and Itika a break and hung out with my friend Steve. He, another friend of his, and I met at Vongs Thai Kitchen (www.vongsthaikitchen.com) and got the chance to catch up. Steve is a Pulitzer-prize nominated journalist who I know from the National Association of Black Journalists. It's always great to catch up with him and break bread. Another of my hang-out buddies when I'm here in Chicago is my best friend from Morehouse Eddie. He and I have been close since our days in college and continue to share a bond that sometimes holds closer than even our own blood brothers. For the many years, I've been coming to Chicago, he's been the only person with whom I'd have social time. Of late, he's been very busy with work, marriage, fraternity, alumni chapter, and a number of other community commitments. To that end, I don't see him as much. Still, when we can, we hit the town and have great dinners and sharings. One thing we've done in the past is our 'Listening Experience', where we come together annually with other friends to share our love of music based on categories and criteria that he and fellow Morehouse brother Daryl design. On the evenings, each person brings their selects based on the four-to-five criteria; we eat and pop open lots of bottles of wine; and we introduce and play music all  night long. In the course of this sharing, we all learn not only what our music tastes are, but we - on some level - learn more about the soul and spirit of who we are. It's an AWESOME fellowship. So much so, when we get together with folks from the group, it's like a family reunion. So when Eddie told me that one of our hangs on this leg of my Chicago trip was going to be with "Listening Experience" member Nyasha, I knew it was going to be a good time. Eddie wanted us to go see "Dreamgirls" because he hadn't. Nor had Nyasha. Of course, it was poised to be the "13TH SCREENING" for me, but I was down. Too, he wanted to share it with me. So, we did and it was as blissful the 13th time as it had been the first twelve. Afterwards, Eddie, Nyasha, and I went to "Sushi Samba" (www.sushisamba.com ))for light bites and mojitos. As always when we have a rare moment with Nyasha, it is an authentic, loving,  and heartfelt time... with lots of laughs, tears, and MUSIC!!!!

Eddie would also be in the mix for an unprecedented weekend (this past) when my "Amazing Grace" Nichole came to Chicago from New York to help keep my home-sickness at bay. She and I are very close and hadn't had the chance to see each other since a couple of weeks before Christmas, given our respective travels to family in other places, work, etc. She made the decision to come and see me. In that, all my 'friends' here in Chicago - including my Carl, Itika, Jakki ("Ki-Ki"), and Eddie - were excited to meet her. We had a lovely WELCOME TO CHICAGO meal at "Rumba" ( www.rumba351.com  ), a Latin fusion cuisine experience with a LIVE Latin jazz band to boot. Carl came to this meal to meet Nichole and they would become fast friends. After dinner, we had a "slumber party" in my bed at my corporate apartment, catching up on everything under the sun. We both slept well on this night - knowing we were back together and sufficiently updated on each other's lives. The next morning, Nichole and I had a lovely one-on-one breakfast at "Wishbone"(www.wishbonechicago.com/), some of the best cheese grits, salmon cakes, and coffee you can eat in Chi-town. We even had a "Mr. Funky" after our breakfast (a little liquid lunch to spice up the afternoon). That drink, served in a wine glass, consisted of champagne, Peach schnapps, and cranberry juice. Nice! Afterwards, we walked over to "Jessi Dean" to see Miss Jessi and the gang. Also, we were there to meet Carl as to repeat our now-weekly ritual of haircuts/manis/pedis (Nichole was down for joining our ritual). While at "Jessi Dean", Nichole got a touch-up to her down-the-back locks a la Jessi. And I entertained the "tress troops" with a special "listening party" featuring selections from my DIANA's new cd "I Love You" (Manhattan-EMI). I'm happy to report that the ladies LOVED hearing new DIANA. They were really getting into the music and my enthusiasm for it. I think I just sold 25 copies of the CD as all in attendance said they were not only going out on Tuesday, January 16th (release date) to buy a copy, but that they wanted to make sure mothers, fathers, husbands, and children alike were in on the great new collection of classic and contemporary love songs, according to MISS ROSS. All of that left me with a SMILE on my face! 

On Saturday night, we met my friend Keith and his wife Button at an Italian restaurant in Wicker Park. Keith asked if I would join he and Miss Button for their inaugural screening of "DREAMGIRLS". My friend Jakki told him I was hooked on the film and that they should go with me because it will enhance their enjoyment of it. Now, looking to the 14th screening of it ahead of me, I felt this healthy obsession was turning into a chore. But the chance to hang out with Keith and Button, his sister Keisha, who he has long wanted me to meet, her friend Darnell, and my posse Nichole and Carl meant that "DREAMGIRLS" NUMBER 14 was going to be a 'funky-James-Thunder-Early" good time!!!! And no surprise! It was.  Keith was gracious in paying for dinner and the tickets. I insisted on sweetening his palm for being so generous!!! Since we saw a late night movie, we were pretty much ready to call it a night, but not before taking a picture in front of the "DREAMGIRLS" sign and singing our favorite songs from the soundtrack. Keith has a great voice. And so do I. SMILE! 

Sunday was a busy day for us. Carl picked us up for brunch. His dear friend Bionce Foxx, on-air personality for WGCI/107.5 FM (#1 for hip hop and R&B) joined us. Also Johnny Wright, hairstylist extraordinaire hooked up with us.  We went back to WISHBONE because Nichole loved it so much and the recommended spot  THE BONGO ROOM was closed. With this new roster of characters, we began a day of laughter that would not give. Bionce and Johnny were two of the warmest and kindest spirits to compliment Carl's, Nichole's, and my weekend chemistry. So, it was on!!! Itika ("Ti-Ti") called for us to join her at her friend Tiffany Nicole's loft which houses THE GARMEN ROOM: A MODERN APPROACH TO VINTAGE (www.thegarmentroom.com ). Here, we combed through racks and racks of vintage couture - from GUCCI to YVES ST. LAURENT. This young lady, TIFFANY, proved she has an "eye" for clothes. (I'm certain fashionista Tracee Ellis Ross and her mom would eat this collection of drag up!!!!!). She also has a hospitable essence as she served wine and special cocktails as we shopped. My Nichole ended up buying a couple of "steals" - one vintage dress that fit her like butter... for $20. And I wanted to make sure that my "classic" Amazing Grace Nichole and my "new" Amazing Grace Itika fit like hand and glove as well. And THANK GOD! They did. You know how those divas can be sometimes with their BIG WILLIEs!!!! SMILE! NOT TOO MUCH, but fortunately, there was enough of me to go around and enough of them to enjoy each other. Even MY JAKKI who wasn't able to spend as much time with NICHOLE loved her and vice versa. That too made me happy!

The evening's plans would bring all the energies which have supported my time here in Chicago TOGETHER, which means that it was either going to be a DREAM or a NIGHTMARE. Fortunately, it was very much a DREAM! We all met at J. Alexander's (www.jalexanders.com/) and enjoyed its HOUSTON's-like menu. But most importantly, my EDDIE got to meet my NICHOLE for the first time (after all these years of them knowing each other's significance to me). My new BFF CARL got to meet EDDIE and it turns out they went to the same high school (around the same time): A. WHITNEY YOUNG. Our new Chicago buddies Johnny Wright and Bionce Foxx were in the mix along with my local "Amazing Graces" Jakki and Itika. We had the BEST TIME...  After we closed J. ALEXANDER's down, we all did a three-party-hop from a jazz set at "SONO-TECH" to a mixer on North Lincoln to "Sippin' Sundays", a networking event where we danced until those house lights came up. A little late night breakfast skillet at TEMPO would cap off an awesome day and a great weekend. NICHOLE and I had a light lunch today at GRAND LUX (www.grandluxcafe.com) overlooking Michigan Avenue. We reflected and corroborated how healing and helpful this weekend of connection was for us both and how thankful we are to have each other to lean on. From there, I put her in a cab that would lead her through the snow flurries to the airport. Hopefully she won't be too delayed because it's coming down out there.

Already, I've gotten word that I may have an assignment in Los Angeles this week. I'm game as maybe it will lead me to some warmer temperatures and allow me to catch up with some of my West Coast folks. Meanwhile, Itika is planning to come over to the corporate apartment tonight (Chili in hand...) to watch the Golden Globes with me. GO JENNIFER HUDSON! GO!!!!!!